Kauai-born surfer fought attackers, officer testifies

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO » A Kauai surfer beaten to death in California last year by street thugs tried in vain to fight off his attackers.

San Diego police officer Benjamin Manansala testified Monday that 24-year-old professional surfer Emery Kauanui Jr. of Anahola struggled after he was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked by a group of young men.

The testimony came during a Monday preliminary hearing to determine if five alleged gang members will face trial for Kauanui's murder.

Prosecutors say the men followed Kauanui home after a disagreement over a spilled drink at a nearby bar. Kauanui died five days after he was found beaten in front of his mother's La Jolla home.